Media Releases

Victoria to Host National, Multi-Species Veterinary Convention Exploring Access to Care and Pathways to a Sustainable Profession

June 16, 2025

Victoria, B.C. – The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) annual convention takes place in Victoria from June 25 to 29, 2025 and offers Canadian veterinary professionals 18 diverse tracks of continuing education covering topics such as animal welfare, antimicrobial use, disaster preparedness, highly pathogenic avian influenza, managing grief, spectrum of care, and more, delivered by 50 esteemed national and international speakers.

CVMA Signature Events include:

  • CVMA Awards Gala – 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 25:
    • Celebrates outstanding individuals and groups for their exceptional contributions to veterinary medicine.
  • CVMA Summit – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, June 26:
    • Access to Care presents extensively experienced professionals who will describe unique solutions to personal challenges in ensuring access to veterinary care for all in an effort to leave attendees inspired with ideas they can incorporate into their own practices and communities.
  • New CVMA President announcement – approx. 12:50 p.m., Thursday, June 26.
  • CVMA National Issues Forum – 2:30 to 5 p.m., Thursday, June 26:
    • Pathway to a Sustainable Veterinary Profession features a panel of five diverse veterinary experts from around the world who will discuss various aspects of sustainability ranging from clinic-level efforts to a global sustainable profession.

Keynote Speakers: Jessica Holmes, who strives to end the stigma around mental health issues, will Bring on the Joy! via openly sharing personal stories embroidered with her renowned humour, bringing light to what can often be a dark topic. Rob Marr, whose thought-provoking session, We Are All Animals! Who Is Looking After Us!, will explore the connection between human and animal behavior, shedding light on the importance of self-care and support within the veterinary profession. These sessions are of significant note given the mental health and well-being challenges many members of the veterinary profession currently face.

WHAT: 2025 CVMA Annual Convention, offering veterinary professionals continuing education sessions including companion animal and farm animal care and discussions about issues impacting the delivery of veterinary medicine.

Sessions of note, include:

  • Anthropogenic Climate Change: The Effects on Health and the Impacts of Providing Vet Care
  • Aquatic Animal Sentience and Animal Welfare: The Basics
  • Breathe Like a Brachy
  • Clue: Classic Feline Detective Lecture for the Soiling Cat
  • Death, Dying, and Professional Boundaries
  • Hot Mess Express: Normal but Nuisance Canine Behaviors
  • HPAI Update – A One Health Approach to Planning, Preparedness, and Response
  • “I LOVE FIREWORKS!” Said No Dog Ever – How to Help Dogs with Noise Fears
  • 'Our patients don't see colour, so why do we need EDI?' - Why Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are critical to the future of veterinary medicine in Canada
  • The Role of the Veterinarian in Disaster Response

Review the complete event schedule here: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/cvma25/program/schedule

WHEN: Wednesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 29, 2025

WHERE: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 3M7

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Direct inquiries to/confirm your attendance with:

Lori Ahronson
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
lahronson@cvma-acmv.org

About the CVMA
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more.